About
The 2015 St. Louis Super Regional was held Oct. 16–17 at Edward Jones Dome. Broken Arrow won yet another St. Louis title, beating Union and Blue Springs.

Analysis
This St. Louis Super Regional had several shocking moments: when Bellevue West performed in prelims, we were shocked; when Bixby performed in prelims, we were shocked; when O'Fallon Township was announced as twelfth in finals, we were shocked.

Between the shocking moments, we witness over 60 groups give some of their best performances of the season and got to see a sneak peek at some of the shows we'd be looking out for at Grand Nats.

Broken Arrow took the top honors, as usual, with a stunning BOA premiere of their show. It was a great pair of performances, but it needed a good bit of work to claim the national champion title at Grand Nats a few weeks later.

Close behind were Blue Springs and Union, two incredible programs who are on a very close level of competition. Blue Springs set themselves up to be solidly in the running for a Grand National finals spot and Union set themselves up to make the list of groups we wish had gone to Grand Nats. We really excited to see what the future holds for these two programs.

Rounding out the top half of finals were a series of groups that demanded our attention. Bellevue West, Bentonville, Eden Prairie, and Rosemount are groups that have established themselves among the best in their regions and will all be names looking to establish themselves among the best in the nation over the next couple of years.

Pre-Competition Analysis
As usual, the St. Louis Super Regional will be one of the premier events of this BOA season. It consistently brings in bands from all across the Midwest, and although Broken Arrow steals the show every year at the top, the fight to get into finals seems like it will once again be a brutal, no-mercy competition. Old finalists will look to reclaim spots and up-and-coming programs will try to prove themselves at the Dome. So without further ado, let’s break down who’s in the mix for finals as of right now (in alphabetical order within each category).

The Consensus Number OneBroken Arrow H.S., OK—If it seems like they win this competition every year, it’s because they've won every year for almost ten years, except 2012 when they didn't attend. Broken Arrow is consistently one of the best in the country. Coming off of a splendid season, it’s unlikely they will accept anything other than the eagle as a marker of success. And, as usual, they seem prepared to reach that goal, with a St. Louis champion title as the first step.

Competing for SecondBlue Springs H.S., MO—Just a few years ago, Blue Springs was practically unknown. Now they are a household name, for band nerds like ourselves. This band is very, very good, and they consistently show that at St Louis. The sky's the limit for this program. Well, that and a couple points below whatever Broken Arrow scores.Union H.S., OK—Last year, after seeing a football halftime performance, we were worried that Union was starting to fall off the map. They immediately proceeded to prove us wrong, finishing third at St Louis, and then rubbed it in by making finals at Grand Nats. Kudos to them, but we won’t make that mistake this time. Union looked good last year, and that success should roll over into this season. They’ll go toe-to-toe with Blue Springs for second, and maybe even make Broken Arrow squirm a little in their seats.

The Bands Jockeying for Fourth through SixthEden Prairie H.S., MN—They were a sort of surprise last season at this competition, finishing eighth and competing with some great programs. This year, Eden Prairie won the Youth in Music Championships, the de facto Minnesota state competition, over Rosemount. Hopefully that success transitions into another great showing for this Minnesota band, though we expect Rosemount to make up that difference and beat Eden Prairie at this super regional.O’Fallon Township H.S., IL—Last season was easily the best that this band has been. They were competitive throughout the year and especially at St Louis. The local boys have transformed from a bubble finalist to a true contender following their win earlier this season at Clarksville over Franklin and Castle. Out of these four bands, they seem the most likely to possibly challenge Union and Blue Springs for a spot in the top three. Don’t take them lightly.Rosemount H.S., MN—The second Minnesota band in this group, they undoubtedly have the tools to place at least as high as fourth in the contest. Remarkably consistent at this contest in recent years, look for them to stay that way in the foreseeable future.

The Last Few LocksBellevue West H.S., NE—The only program representing the state of Nebraska this year, Bellevue West is a consistent presence in the bottom half of the finalists. Is this the year they unseat someone and crack the top half?Bentonville H.S., AR—Making finals at both St Louis and Indianapolis in the past makes them an easy lock in for finals this year. Definitely a band on the rise, they will be looking to gain some more recognition this year, and an impressive finish here could give them some of the national attention they need.Haltom H.S., TX—They were a surprise last year, but also proof that it’s never wise to bet against Texas bands. One of only two bands from the Lone Star State, they will undoubtedly be out to prove last year was no joke.

The “I’m Still Confused From Last Year” BandsGrain Valley H.S., MO—Grain Valley who? Definitely the biggest surprise at this contest in 2014, They won class AA and made finals. No one saw them coming, but all eyes will be on them this time around. They will find themselves in the quandary of all surprise bands: If they make finals again, they can validate themselves as a good band, but if they miss out this year, they will be considered a one-hit wonder and last year will be dismissed as a bit of a fluke. We hope they make the most of this opportunity.Irondale H.S., MN—What happened to Irondale? After being competitive at St Louis the year before, they plummeted massively to place in the twenties. Blame it on a bad run, blame it on the judges, but the fact is that no one saw that coming. And now they find themselves in a similar situation to Grain Valley. We hope they return to the Irondale we saw two years ago, but we don't expect them to be back in finals.

The Other Bands Competing for the Last Few SpotsAir Academy H.S., CO—They were impressive at this contest when they attended in 2012, but will enter this year virtually unknown. Finals is a distinct possibility.

Camdenton H.S., MO—After in impressive Class AA victory and a top half finals performance at Clarksville, this group will be looking to continue their successful season by securing a spot in finals at a super regional.Kickapoo H.S., MO—They made finals in 2012 and were close last year. They have no shortage of motivation, and the spots are wide open. We could see a return to the top 14 from this band.

Lindbergh H.S., MO—The second group out of finals in 2014 is impressively loud and boasting some great results in the local circuit. This could be the year lindbergh returns to finals.

Paragould H.S., AR—Now that Paragould is in AA, they won't have the easy win in Class A, but they will still be in the hunt for one of the last finals spots.

Rockwood Summit H.S., MO—Speaking of AA, Rockwood Summit is a group that’s been slowly improving the past couple of years, and this could be their first year to break into finals.

27 comments:

I would not count Rockwood Summit out of finals. The band has a fire and has been working very hard the past couple of seasons. With some amazing drill and impressive solos, they have a legit shot of breaking through.

Air Academy doesn't attend a BOA event every year, but their last two appearances have been impressive - sweeping their class and barely missing out on the finals in San Antonio in 2011, and then qualifying 8th in St. Louis in 2013. Colorado schools may not get a lot of coverage, but this band has shown it can consistently compete. This year's program looks to be as good as any they have had.

I am so excited to see how they will do this year! As a senior from Liberty, I know that they will represent Colorado well! They have the show for an amazing performance and their color guard is probably one of the best in the state, especially one guard member in particular ;). Show them what CO has and represent D20 well! We love you guys!!!

Irondale won't be making finals again this year. Being from Minnesota, their program has gone downhill the past two years. Will be seeing them myself this weekend, but I don't think they have the tools and will finish in a similar spot this year.

I completely agree. Irondale had a one hit wonder show in 2013, but their programs are typically average at best and very in the comfort zone for their band. I would continue to watch Eden Prairie and Rosemount however, especially considering their newly found rivalry for each-other after Rosemount's 9 time state title suddenly went up for grabs this season following their first defeat by Eden Prairie since 2012. This is all speculation of course, but I imagine Rosemount must be sweating slightly knowing that their Minnesota circuit superiority isn't 100% guaranteed this year. The Youth in Music state championship is happening October 10th, and I can't wait to see how things play out. This will be a great indicator on what might happen at St. Louis. Needless to say, the Minnesota circuit is really heating up.

They sure did. For the first time ever in YIM history Eden Prairie came out on top at the state championship. They were both great sports about it though. Eden Prairie and Rosemount band members all lined up after awards and gave high fives to each other and both bands congratulated each other on a great show. Both programs look ready to go for St. Louis where they will both meet in competition on the same stage for the last time until next year. I hope to see both bands at finals and expect nothing but the best from Rosemount and Eden Prairie on the BOA circuit. I'd keep a trained eye on Eden Prairie after St. Louis though, they will be the first Minnesota band to compete at BOA Grand National Championships, and this might just be the perfect program to take to Indianapolis. Exciting times for Minnesota bands!

Keep an eye out for Lincoln! 21st overall in 2014, 10th in music in prelims. This was Lincoln's first Super Regional trip, and were only 3 points out of 14th. They could be knocking on the door for a finalist spot.

To be honest, I wouldn't expect any upsets from Broken Arrow this year at least. I imagine it will take a couple of years before other bands begin to catch up to Broken Arrow's program. BA knows how to please the judges. But I am interested to see how things end up in the future. The exponential growth of programs in the St. Louis competition is remarkable. In no small part due to staffing. A great instructional and design staff is what makes a great show, and the bands you listed all have a great staff, most with new and more experienced instructors each year.

This is all speculation of course, but I imagine Rosemount must be sweating slightly knowing that their Minnesota circuit superiority isn't 100% guaranteed this year.C&L Heating and Air one of the greatest heating & air conditioner repair Company in Louisville KY area. We are delivering dependable, quality heating and all kinds of A/C services. derbycityhvac.com

I saw Lincoln in Orange City, IA this past weekend, and had a very good run despite it being their 3rd performance day in a row. If there's a dark horse in the field that could surprise everyone by snatching a top 14 spot, it could be them. Like someone already pointed out, they finished 10th overall in music in the 2014 prelims and only 3 points out of finals, and they seem to have stepped up the design to hopefully boost GE scores and they're visually looking better than they did at this point last year. Should be a very exciting weekend all the way around in St. Louis! I'll be watching the webcast of both prelims and finals!

I agree that Lincoln has a great music and GE program, but I'm not sure that people understand that 3 points is a lot of points for a super regional... Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see them in finals as much as the next guy, but Lincoln's visual program lacks significantly compared to other competitive programs. Realistically speaking, it may have been "only" three points, but those three points left them a staggering seven places behind a shot at finals last year. I sincerely hope I'm wrong, and I don't mean to put down the program, but honestly I wouldn't put my money on Lincoln at finals. Again, I hope I'm wrong. Lincoln is a great band with dedicated students, of whom I've had the pleasure of meeting and have nothing but good things to say about. I know they will make finals some day, I just don't think that this is their year.

I'll be the first to admit how wrong I was. 13th place in finals over Kickapoo is not too shabby at all. Amazing production and performance and I was thrilled to see them at retreat on Saturday. Lincoln proved me very wrong. Underestimating them is not a mistake I will make again. Great job Sioux Falls. Your improvement from last year is incredible. Keep it up.

A lot of people are starting to discuss Union and Blue Springs after both were showcased at the Renegade Review this past weekend. While one dominates in visual, the other does for music, making it a GE battle. Overall, 2nd and 3rd this weekend will he decided by how loud they can make the audience scream.

Totally unknown group here but Ozark (MO) was within a point of Kickapoo last week and won the best Music caption. By no means does this lock them to be top tier group this weekend, however by including Kickapoo and Camdenton in the top 12 bands for the weekend Ozark could be a sleeper band to open some eyes come Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to seeing some of the best bands in the Midwest perform, however keep an eye out for Ozark as they make their maiden voyage at BOA St. Louis.

It was interesting to see such upsets this weekend at Finals. 4th place Bellevue West came out of nowhere, and Eden Prairie beating Rosemount (their rivals) by almost 2 points was crazy! Bentonville moved up the ranks while O'Fallon Township fell down from single digit placing to double digit placing. Not to mention Union beating Blue Springs, leaving the Golden Regiment with a bronze medal. This super regional was one for the books for sure.

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